A careful consideration has to be put in place when planning your trip to Peru in 2025. Reserve tickets and hotels 3- 6 months before arrival, especially Machu Picchu and Cusco. It is always good to have the local currency (Peruvian Sol), have downloaded offline maps and have a translation app. Take note of Peru travel tips so as to make the experience an enjoyable one.
Best Time to Go Peru
Dry season (May to October) is also the best season to trek and sightsee, and the skies are clearer and nights cooler. These are the most popular months – July/August – so book in advance to be before the crowds. Wet season (November to April) Wet season is warmer and greener and best suited in coastal cities and Amazon rainforest. There will be expectations of as much as 35 oC (95 oF) in certain areas. Hopefully your Inca Trail will not be closed during February, because the Inca Trail is used as an easy hiking path.
Visa Procedure & Entry Guide
U.S and Canadian citizens do not require a visa when staying up to 183 days, but you must have a passport, which is valid 6 months after your exit. Visa requirements, under your nationality, should always be verified. Take your itinerary and airline ticket back copies.
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Travel Insurance Information
There should be travel insurance. Seek policies which stipulate the provisions of emergency evacuation, medical emergencies and adventure sports. It should have emergency evacuation in the event you intend to hike in inaccessible places such as the Andes. Coverage is highly advisable especially when visiting places such as Inca Trail and Amazon jungle tours.
Getting Around Peru:Transport & Accommodation Options
Choose from diverse Peru transportation options:
1. Domestic Flights: Conquer long large distances by using domestic flights (e.g. Lima to Cusco). There are airlines such as LATAM and Avianca that usually offer routes at a rate of between $200 and 650.
2. Buses: There are long distance buses which are both reliable and comfortable to travel in on short journeys. Cost-effective and beautiful. Flights such as Lima to Arequipa are about ~$20.
3. Trains: There are available trains in the popular routes, such as the Cusco to Aguas Calientes. Amazing landmarks such as the Vistadome to Machu Picchu and PeruRail Titicaca to Puno.
4. Uber & Taxis: In urban areas an Uber or local taxi can be used (it is possible to negotiate the price of the ride beforehand in the case of non-meters). It is safer to utilize Uber in Lima; dialogue fees in rural regions.
5. Car Rental: Rental car services go for between 25-80 dollars a day and include such companies as Alamo and Hertz.
Where to Stay
Peru is more expensive when it comes to accommodations because Peru offers five star hotel and jungle lodges as well as cheap hotels and homestays. Lima, Cusco as well as Arequipa are big cities that show various possibilities.
Luxury Stays
Splurge on upscale hotels such as Belmond Hotel Monasterio, JW Marriott El Convento and Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica. Be prepared to receive the best service, old world ambience and culinary masterpiece.
Budget Friendly Hostels
The cheaper accommodation option available by hostels, such as Pariwana Hostel (Cusco) and Kokopelli (Lima), is also available, which has both a dorm or a private accommodation. The rates are between 10 and 40 dollars/night. Reviews regarding safety and cleanliness should be read always.
Local Homestays
Lake Titicaca, sacred valley and Andean villages as homestays offer a cultural experience. Homestay with families in the Sacred Valley or in the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. Take part in local customs and taste home-made Peruvian food.
Top Places & Nature
Must-See Places in Peru
Peru top destinations are:
- Lima: food and culture of colonial times
- Cusco: Cusco is the heart where the Inca empire and the way to Machu Picchu meet.
- Machu Picchu: World Heritage Site UNESCO
- Sacred valley: archaeological and cultural center
- Lake Titicaca: tallest navigable lake
- Amazon Rainforest: Hotspot of Biodiversity
- Colca Canyon, Nazca Lines, Arequipa adventure and history
Machu Picchu Guide
Admission is throughout the year. Plan around a long time before to book during high season (JuneAugust). The entry is limited and restricted in terms of time with a daily visitors limit of 4,600-5,650. Some of the circuits need guides. To avoid the crowd, be in early. The entry is time-controlled and there are a restricted number of visitors who may enter everyday so make a reservation. There are some routes that would need a guide to follow.
Machu Picchu Booking
Purchase them via official web-site or an authorized agency. To avoid the crowd, be in early. The entry is time-controlled and there are a restricted number of visitors who may enter everyday so make a reservation. There are some routes that would need a guide to follow. There are 4 circuits. Come with your passport, hardcopy tickets and be punctual.
Machu Picchu: The Crown Jewel of Incan Civilization
Machu Picchu is constructed at 2,430m above the ground with lands displaying the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana and the Sun Gate. To avoid the crowd, be there early. There is a time of entry and only a few tourists are taken into the park daily and thus book early. There are routes which require a guide. It is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World too, and is visited by more than 2 million people every year.
Cusco: Gateway to the Sacred Valley
The capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is currently the primary tourist destination of those who want to go to Machu Picchu. Visit Sacsayhuaman, Qorikancha and San Pedro Market. Adapt to lower heights then climb to higher grounds. Cusco combines the contemporary life and wealth of Incas.
The Inca Trail: Preparing for Your Trek
The limit of the permits is 500 per day. Reserve in advance, months before, the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek or Lares Trek. They go at prices of $250-1500. Carry altitude medication, layers and trekking poles. Train on cardio equipment. Tour companies offer food, porters and guides.
Lima: Modern Peru’s Cultural Hub
Begin in Lima. It also happens to be the gastronomic center of the country as it has some of the most renowned restaurants in the world: such as Central and Maido. Visit Miraflores, Barranco, Historic Center. Have fun on food tours or take sections with chefs, such as Gaston Acurio. Go to the Larco Museum and make fresh seafood.
Best Hikes Opportunity
- Inca Trail
- Salkantay Trek
- Lares Trek
- Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Laguna 69 (Huaraz)
- Colca Canyon All hikes require acclimatization and physical preparation.
Photo Spots Tips
Capture epic views at:
- Machu Picchu (from Huayna Picchu)
- Rainbow Mountain
- Salineras de Maras (salt flats)
- Lake Humantay
- Cusco’s Plaza de Armas
- Huacachina sand dunes Use wide-angle lenses and shoot during golden hours for the best results. Golden hours include (early morning or late afternoon)
Traditional Culture & Food Experiences
What to Eat & Drink
Top dishes include:
- Ceviche: Onions in fresh fish, aj
- Lomo Saltado: beef rice and fries stir-fried.
- Causa: Sliced avocado and yellow potato
- Alpaca steak Aj followed by drinks such as Pisco Sour or chicha morada Try food tours or cooking classes to get a personal experience.
Local Etiquette
Peru cultural etiquette includes:
- Greet with a handshake or cheek kiss (women)
- Ask before photos
- Tipping: 5–10% (appreciated in restaurants and for guides )
- Dress modestly in rural areas
Festivals in Peru
- Inti Raymi (June 24, Cusco)
- La Fiesta de la Candelaria (February, Puno)
- Señor de los Milagros (October, Lima)
- Semana Santa, Qoyllur Rit’i, Fiestas Patrias Attend for vibrant parades and cultural insight. (March/April)
Language & Communication
Spanish is official; Quechua and Aymara are regional. Learn basic terms:
- Hola = Hello
- Gracias = Thank you
- ¿Dónde está el baño? = Where ‘s the bathroom?
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? = How much?
Responsible Tourism
Promote sustainable tourism:
- Support local artisans and fair trade
- Avoid single-use plastics
- Follow rules at historical sites
- Respect indigenous traditions
Health & Safety Guidance
Peru Safety Tips
To remain conscious when in places filled with people. Do not go on dark alleys at night. Store your belongings in the hotel safes and travel with verified transportation such as Uber. Keep track of the local news.
Altitude Sickness Help
Ordinary above 2,500m. To prevent symptoms, it is recommended to ascend gradually, use coca tea, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid alcohol consumption as well as the missed usage of acetazolamide
Emergency Numbers
- Emergency Hotline: 105
- Ambulance: 106
- Fire: 116
- Tourist Police: 911
- Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza (Lima): 01-123-4567
- Clínica Internacional Cusco: 084-234-5678 Save numbers in your phone and locate hospitals near your stay.
Save numbers in your phone. Most urban hospitals have English-speaking staff.
Budget & Costs Analysis
Peru Travel Costs
- Hostels: $15+/night
- Hotels: $50–150+
- Local food: $3–10/meal
- Activities: $10–70+ (Machu Picchu ~$70)
- Local buses: ~$1, taxis: $5–20
Daily Budget Guide
- Hostel: $10–20
- Meals: $3–10
- Transport: $2–15
- Entry fees: $5–20 Add extra for souvenirs and tips. Use ATMs with low fees.
Money-Saving Tips
- Eat at local markets (Menu del Día)
- Use public transport
- Book tours in-country
- Avoid airport exchange rates
- Join free walking tours in major cities
Conclusion:
Visiting Peru is not only about sightseeing, it is also about connection, discovery and change. Hiking Inca trails up to the sky, tasting ceviche in Lima, or sailing on Lake Titicaca, Peru promises to extinguish its unforgettable impression. Never doubt the plan, or be rude, but enjoy the process.
